German police to help target World Cup hooligans

Uniformed German police officers will travel to the UK ahead of the World Cup to help target suspected troublemakers, the British government has confirmed.

But they will not have powers of arrest and will operate in an “advisory capacity”, a UK Home Office spokesman said.

The World Cup tournament begins in June and tens of thousands of English fans are expected to travel to Germany.

Talks are still taking place over whether UK police officers, who will also travel to the tournament, will be able to arrest thugs on German soil, the spokesman added.

British Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said: “The government, police and supporters groups are working hard with the German authorities to make the World Cup a trouble free tournament.

“The preparations for this year’s tournament are extensive and for the first time are likely to include uniformed English and German police officers working side by side.

“Football disorder remains a lingering menace and that is why we want to minimise the risks and provide better communication about travelling English fans.

“Football banning orders are one of the key tools we are using in in the on-going fight to keep Germany free from any travelling troublemakers.”